SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — A fake Microsoft warning led to an elaborate scheme that cost an elderly victim nearly $500,000. Now, the man behind the scheme is headed to federal prison.
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Javed Ashid was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison on Oct. 6 for his involvement in fraudulent schemes, according to the Sandy Springs Police Department.
The investigation began on July 19, 2024, when the victim received a fraudulent Microsoft pop-up warning that their identity and financial accounts were at risk.
Ashid allegedly posed as a representative of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and convinced the victim their life savings were in danger and needed to be protected.
Over the course of the scheme, Ashid arranged 10 meetings with the victim, collecting large sums of cash during each encounter. Authorities said he used multiple vehicles when meeting with the victim in an apparent effort to avoid detection.
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The SSPD’s Criminal Intelligence Unit used Automated License Plate Reader technology to identify vehicles associated with Ashid and develop leads in the investigation.
Ashid was eventually arrested in Columbia County while traveling to meet with another victim.
The department is reminding residents that legitimate financial institutions and government agencies will never ask people to withdraw large sums of cash or arrange in-person cash pickups to protect their money.
Anyone who receives a suspicious request should contact their financial institution directly and report the incident to law enforcement.
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